Hip arthritis advice please !

lauriea11

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Hello I was wondering if anyone had any advice for me.
I have an 9 year old irish sports horse which I've owned for a little over a year.
After many issues like him throwing me off and then going lame and thousands of pounds later he has been diagnosed with arthritis in his left hip. (back, teeth, new saddle fitted, remedial shoes, bone scan, xrays, ultrasound, injections etc)
After tracking down previous owners I found out that he has been a difficult horse for years behaviour wise which seems he's had this problem for a long time but never been investigated for them to know what it was. found out his left hind was stuck in a fence as a foal and maybe this is where it started.
He's had many treatments hip injections stifle injections (because they both started locking) then after 2 months of his first hip injection was unsound again and then had a his hip joint flushed and had more steroids injected into it. I then began riding again and now he has started dropping me again. so the first thing that springs to mind is he's in pain again although doesn't seem to be unsound. After vets advice he now not to be ridden at all. SInce his last operation he has turned horrible towards me always has his ears back trying to bitr me occasionally. swishing his tail a lot also. When being ridden won't go forward bucks alot randomly with his ears backs swishes his tail and grunts when I ask him to go forward(he's been like that since I've had him)
I have spoken to the vet and he's advised that it seems he is in discomfort and doesn't even think he would be happy to be retired in a field. I'm struggling with what decision to make weather it's pts or retire to field because how can I know if he's not happy in a field or of he is ?
Thanks for anyone who read this very lengthy post any advice on what you think I should do would be much appreciated. x
 
it sounds as if he is still in pain...I can tell you from personal experience that hip arthritis is VERY painful and if you cant manage his pain I am afraid that pts is the kindest option .....you could try putting him on medication and retiring to the field so he can have some quality time as naturally as possible and if that doesn't work you will feel you have done all you can and pts without feeling guilty...it sounds like you have tried everything to get him right and I feel for you..good luck with whatever you decide..
 
I can only imagine how painful it is :(
i have tried riding him on bute and he seemed okay to begin with then started bucking with his ears back and that was on 4 sachets a day :(
he's had many periods of rest a month to 6 weeks at a time over the last year.
thanks for your reply!
 
I've no experience in horses with this but didn't want to read and run. I suffer with hip and back pain and I am awaiting a hip arthroscopy to reshape the hip joint at the moment at 23 years old and I'm in pain most days.

Sounds like you've done everything you can at the moment. I think if he was mine and you have the facilities I would turnout 24/7. Ideally start with a few hours ( if not Out in the day now) and increase to daily and then 24/7. Ideally in a established herd and see if his mood improves. It might suit him to actually come in for a few hours during day for a 'rest' but you know your own horse.

If his mood doesn't improve you know you've tried everything and I would pts xx
 
Thanks for your reply! Sounds awful hope you get sorted soon!
at the moment he's in by night out by day not allowed 24hr turnout during the winter and think he would struggle with keeping weight on he was out 24hr a day! plus he's always by the gate waiting by 4 to come in ! :( xx
 
So many people have said that really makes me think how much discomfort he could be in :(
half of me thinks though if he was in that much pain he would go unsound again not eat or move about? not sure if I'm trying to make excuses for what is seeming to be inevitable :(
 
hi
u shud definately try the earthpulse v5 equine PEMF system. it's the most advanced electromagnetic system on the planet. rapid healing and kills pain without need for medication. i'm pretty sure it should help your horse..they even guarantee performance boost. i've been using it with my horse for a few months now. i also use their human system v5 sleep on command myself since 3 years. really amazing what is happening in field of bio-energy now
 
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